Santa Muerte

By Crusader1307

In Mexican Culture, ''Santa Muerte'' is seen as the personification of ''Earthly Death''. As we have seen with the custom of ''Dios de Las Muerta'' (or ''Day of The Dead''), the use of Skulls and Skeletons for the rituals are not seen as ''morbid or ''scary'' as they would be in other Cultures. This belief and usage of such can be found in Ancient Mesoamerican Culture as well (Mayan, Incan and Aztec). The ''creation'' of a central ''figure'' in such ceremonies is known as ''Santa Muerta'' or ''The Saint of Death''. ''She'' is also known as ''Lady of Shadow'', ''Black Lady'' and ''Bony Lady'' (depending on Region). Dressed in bright colors and adorned with ''jewels and baubles'' an actual Skeleton of a Human is procured. This is considered a great honor although it is unclear just ''where'' the remains are taken from or kept after the celebration. ''She'' is also bedecked in many flowers. Often, at the start of ''Dios de Las Muertas'', a Parade or Procession (similar to a Catholic Saint) is had with ''Santa Muerte'' at the lead. Some Regions will dress The ''Santa'' in Black Robes and add a Scythe to impersonate The ''Grim Reaper'' (a European personification of Death). This ideology was related to early Spanish and later French Colonist and adapted by Natives. And while today, such ''grand'' ceremonies are not ad common as they were in the 19th Century, some elements are still practiced in private at One's Home, with albeit smaller manufactured ''Santa Muerte''.